Ghost Signals, Episode 1: Part 4.3
RAIVEN (to the Three) Revered Three...thank you once more for granting me audience with you.
ONE Dr. O'Ozahl. This will mark your eighth attempt at a Shocla- a rare feat 'mongst your colleagues in the Consortium. I hope it means that your project is of a high quality.
RAIVEN (nods) Indeed it is, unquestioned One. Over the past three rohtlas, I've been studying the inner workings of what the media refer to as the "Ghost Signals." Recently, I have come across a discovery that I believe could change how we view both the known and unknown universe.
THREE What is the discovery?
RAIVEN I believe I've found the source of the Signals somewhere within the Borderlands. I also believe said location is currently teeming with sentient life.
TWO (intrigued/skeptical, to Raiven) An interesting hypothesis. Not one that's shared by many of your colleagues who believe whomever made them have already died, or will die off before we will ever find them. Do you have any semblance of evidence on you that can prove it?
RAIVEN (slight nod, to Two) Yes I do, your Excellency. (back to the rest of the Three) For the last two rohtlas, I have used a mix of chronal predictive dating and the recent collection of Signals that came from unique points in the TA in order to pinpoint its precise originating location.
THREE (to Raiven, V.O.) Were you successful?
She turns her attention over to her tablet, quickly typing and clicking on the necessary files to activate the important parts of her Shocla.
RAIVEN (to Three as she types) Not at first. It took quite a long time of incremental progress through this process. That was until this previous weatt when my CGAI colleague Steggy provided what came to be the clinching Signal to create...this.
The good Doctor stops typing and takes a step to the left. From the top of the tablet, an electronic beam shoots out, and the same star map of the TA emerges and spreads out over the base of the room. The path Raiven made soon shows up as they speak, following the same direction we saw earlier out past the Borderlands.
TWO How certain are you about the strength of this data? Of your tactics?
RAIVEN (to Two) 100%, most Exalted Two. Steggy's work, along with my Assistant Boltas, is truly impeccable. I'm also, of course, guided by the basic tenets of Logic as any good Scientist.
ONE Logic is good. But there needs to be some type of technological supplement to said logic in order for it to carry any weight. Do you believe you have it, or are close to having it?
Raiven goes about to answer the One's question at first, but stops almost instantaneously. A moment later, she shakes her head and gazes down.
TWO Following on your query, unquestioned One. I'm curious if the good Doctor has applied to the M.o.D. for an S&S order. Given the amount of radical and pirate activity, it makes sense that--
RAIVEN (sudden interjection)
NO! (pause for more control, to the Three) I mean...I don't believe an S&S order is really necessary here. It's a simple Socioarchaeogic expedition. All I need is a ship, my CGAI, and--
THREE (interjecting) This is beginning to sound a a lot like Dr. L'Dre's ill-fated Shocla all those moons ago. Am I right, colleagues?
RAIVEN (defensive, but forceful) I am well aware of Mz. L'Dre's Shocla. I actually modeled much of my Shocla on her original notes, and her journey through the Borderlands.
THREE Is that so?
Raiven clears her throat briefly, and turns back to the tablet. She types something in, and out comes a set of four digital papers from the top of the tablet.
RAIVEN As a mid-youngling, I was... fascinated by the story of Dr. L'Dre. I thought she was courageous sticking to her convictions against what was perceived as the common wisdom in the scientific community.
ONE How did you come across her notes? I thought that they were destroyed.
RAIVEN (presents the papers to the Three) I came across copies from one of her surviving familius.
She then flings each of the papers skyward where they proceed to stick just above her in the eyelines of the Three. Two of the papers are a series of notes and blueprints in L'Dre's handwriting of an expedition. The other two consist of Raiven's expedition to the source, and the details connected to it.
RAIVEN (Cont.) Though it talks more about a macro search through the Borderlands into the unknown, my expedition is still modeled on that same single goal- to better understand our place in the galaxy. Especially when it comes to my invention, the Jahukagonis.
THREE I don't doubt your sincerity, Dr. O'Ozahl. But before details of the expedition if/when you find the Source, there's still the matter of the Support and Security order. Given the unique dangers involved in journeying the Borderlands, I cannot grant a vote of acceptance without it being handled.
RAIVEN (grits her teeth, to Two) Noble Three, like I said, I don't believe an S&S is needed here. It's purely going to be an scientific expedition. I don't need to have a massive military contingent behind me, which will only cause issues if I encounter other life at the Source.
THREE But there's still the element of potential instigation with pirate forces that an S&S would protect you, and by extension the entire Consortium from possible blackmail.
TWO (following on Three's point) I'm with my colleague on this. It also brings up something that you have yet to answer here, Mz. O'Ozahl- how do you know that this development a pirate plot design to rob you and embarrass the government?
RAIVEN Respectfully Exalted Two...I don't know. But that is the point of science, why everyone here chose this life- to look at the unknown and journey to wherever it may end.
The Three talk amongst themselves briefly following the good Doctor's passionate response.
ONE Upon consultation with my colleagues, we've decided to postpone final decision on this Shocla for weatt so you can obtain a proper S&S order from the Ministry of Defense.
RAIVEN (protesting) But--
ONE (forcefully over her) If you do not obtain and present this to chambers by the end of that weatt, your Shocla will be summarily rejected and your employment in the Consortium suspended for 18 monats.
RAIVEN 18 monats?! My career would be finished. There has to be a way to do this without--
ONE (interjecting) I suggest you get that S&S order, then. Our decision is final!
The sound of a gong fills the Keep the second One says that. The elder Three stand up from their respective perches and make their way out to a door off-screen left.
CUT TO:
A shot of Raiven's stunned face as they walked off, slowly coming to grips with the decision handed down.
FADE TO BLACK